I know everyone feels like 2021 has lasted about a minute in comparison to the eternity that was last year, but I'm struggling to comprehend how we're into the final leg already. Halloween, Diwali, Fireworks Night, Black Friday (I know it's not just me who banks on it to get ahead on Christmas shopping)... it's about one Big Thing a week on average til we see the year out.

Having got used to a slower pace of life over the last 18 months, it's a little disconcerting. But I realised life lived Big Thing to Big Thing is also a major motivator for me. Interspersing the humdrum of daily life with fun 'projects' like planning the kids' outfits, or planning a menu (even if the plan is to buy a great takeout) is a great way to pass a tough season with very little children that otherwise might be hard or long (or, like lockdown, both).

Best of all is when Big Things provide us with an opportunity to turn daily routines into fun occasions. Last year for Diwali we just had dinner at home as a family, but it was made special by dressing up, taking photos, video calling family, and changing up who cooked what. And, the next morning, I got to turn the page and start planning Christmas.

This week: some no-cook cooking for Diwali, how we pass good and bad habits onto kids around us, London events for Fireworks night, and the cutest Halloween costume we've seen in a while.

- Shreya

No-cook doodh peda recipe for Diwali

🚨🚨Diwali is next week, folks. As part of the preparations, make time for this very simple and child-friendly recipe for milk peda from @yummytummyaarthi. They can be boxed up and shared, refrigerated, or wolfed down in one sitting while you wait for dinner to be ready.

Bad All habits die establish hard

Our kids learn the best of us and the worst of us - and for that reason, how easy it was to teach children good hygiene during the pandemic, with Boris singing Happy Birthday on the 6 o'clock news, depended a lot on how entrenched our own hygiene habits are. There's lots of pop psychology out there about creating good habits, but some simple tools can also help.

Boom boom time

Fireworks' night is back, baby! Make sure your plans for next Friday are sorted (remember, remember, the fifth of November - but depending on the venue, it could be a day before or after). Visit London has compiled a handy - and up-to-date - list of fireworks displays taking place across the city next week.

Early years health resource

Halloween, Guy Fawkes', Diwali... also 'flu season. The time of year brings with it more health concerns for babies and children than usual. While GPs are snowed under and health visitors spread thin, this NHS website gathers together some great info for troubleshooting everyday symptoms. It's handily structured around child's age and has advice specific to pregnancy, COVID, and more.

And finally... this stinker

So much love for this little kid who, for Halloween last year, dressed up as... a fart. Megaphone and all. What are you(r kids) dressing up as this year, and does it come with sound effects?